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Brandon Marsh Likely to Be Limited to a Platoon Role in 2027
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski described outfielder Brandon Marsh as a "platoon-type guy (who) hits right-handed pitching and he hasn't done very well versus left-handed pitching," per Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Marsh set career highs by appearing in 155 games and logging 568 plate appearances in 2026, slashing .260/.304/.408 with 18 home runs, 62 RBI, 71 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. Marsh got off to an excellent start to the year, but he hit just .184 with three home runs across 205 plate appearances after the All-Star break. The 28-year-old has struggled to hit left-handed pitching throughout his time in the big leagues, posting a .588 OPS with a 38.1% strikeout rate across 603 career plate appearances against southpaws. While his combination of power and speed gives him some appeal in deeper fantasy leagues, Marsh's upside is limited if he does not see everyday playing time.
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Varnes, Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Varnes, Matt Gelb
Justin Crawford Likely to Remain in a Platoon Role in 2027
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski indicated that outfielder Justin Crawford is likely to remain in a platoon role in center field in 2027, per Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Across 465 plate appearances as a rookie in 2026, the 22-year-old hit .264/.309/.353 with three home runs, 41 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. The lefty-swinger lost playing time against same-handed pitching over the course of the season and ended the year with just a .603 OPS against southpaws. Crawford hit .334 and stole 46 bases across 506 Triple-A plate appearances in 2025, so he carries some speed and batting average upside for fantasy managers. However, his fantasy value is limited if he cannot max out playing time and fully unlock his speed.
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Varnes, Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Varnes, Matt Gelb
Bryan Rincon in the Mix at Third Base for the Phillies in 2027
Philadelphia Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski mentioned infield prospect Bryan Rincon (hamstring) as a player who could be in the mix at third base in 2027, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Incumbent Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is set to hit free agency this winter and may be unlikely to return to Philadelphia. Rincon has yet to reach Triple-A, but he dominated across 534 plate appearances at Double-A in 2026 by hitting .267/.410/.517 with 26 home runs, 67 RBI, 92 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. Rincon also underwent hamstring surgery at the end of the season, so he will need to get fully healthy in time for Spring Training. Still, Rincon could be a player for fantasy managers to monitor heading into 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Phillies Looking to Reduce J.T. Realmuto's Catching Workload in 2027
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that the team will reduce catcher J.T. Realmuto's workload behind the plate in 2027, per Cole Weintraub of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Realmuto caught 123 games for the Phillies in 2026 and had the worst offensive season of his career by far, hitting .205/.283/.331 with 11 home runs, 51 RBI, 52 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 467 plate appearances. At this point in his career, the 35-year-old may simply be done as a positive contributor at the plate. However, a reduced catching workload could help Realmuto's legs stay fresher and allow him to rebound. Realmuto could be a decent bounce-back target for fantasy managers to target in drafts ahead of 2027.
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Cole Weintraub
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Cole Weintraub
Kyle Schwarber to See More Time at First Base in 2027
The Philadelphia Phillies are planning for outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber to work at first base in spring training and play around 30 games there during the season, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes. In the games that Schwarber is at first base, Bryce Harper will serve as the DH. Harper played in all 162 regular-season games in 2026, but he dealt with nagging pain at times after moving to the outfield in the second half. Schwarber appeared at first base only eight times in 2026, starting six games there. If the Phillies follow through with their plan to use the 33-year-old left-handed slugger more at first base, he will add first base eligibility to his fantasy profile, making him even more attractive for his elite power. In his 12th year in the majors in 2026 (fifth with the Phillies), Schwarber continued to be a force to be reckoned with, leading the league with 45 home runs while also leading the league with 220 strikeouts. He had a .232/.354/.503 slash line with an .857 OPS, 97 RBI, 95 runs scored, and three steals in 156 regular-season games played.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb, Charlotte Varnes
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb, Charlotte Varnes
Phillies Plan to Keep Trea Turner at Shortstop
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on Thursday that he plans to have veteran infielder Trea Turner open the 2027 season at shortstop, but he told him personally that he must play well to stay there, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Turner, who has never been a particularly strong defender at the 6, had his worst defensive showing with the glove in 2026 after looking solid the year prior. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion also took a step back offensively for the Phillies in 2026, slashing .242/.297/.378 with a .675 OPS, 19 home runs, 58 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 101 runs scored across 645 at-bats in his 12th year in the big leagues. Turner really struggled against left-handed pitchers, batting .219 (46-for-210) against them with only three of his 19 homers on the year. He picked things up in September and October after a slow August, going 24-for-98 (.245) with two home runs, seven RBI, and three stolen bases in 24 games since the start of September.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Don Mattingly To Manage Phillies For Two More Years
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced a new two-year deal for former interim manager Don Mattingly to manage the team in 2027 and 2028, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Phillies bowed out of the playoffs this year in the National League wild-card series against the Atlanta Braves, although they did come back to force a decisive Game 3. The Phillies will look to Mattingly to help them break through in the playoffs, as the team is largely talented both hitting-wise and on the mound.
Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
Aaron Nola Struggles in Wild Card Series Defeat on Thursday
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola took the loss in his team's 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Thursday. The 33-year-old lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one. It's the end of a frustrating year overall for Nola, who recorded a 7-12 record with a 4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 177 strikeouts across 175 1/3 innings (33 starts). The veteran righty was better in the second half, logging a 3.33 ERA across 78 1/3 innings after the All-Star break. Still, Nola has now logged consecutive seasons with an ERA north of 4.60, an HR/9 above 1.70, and a WHIP of exactly 1.35. With four years and nearly $100 million remaining on the seven-year contract he signed with the Phillies ahead of the 2024 season, Nola will likely get a chance to bounce back in 2027. However, his viability as a fantasy starter is questionable.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Andrew Painter Steps Up in Key Relief Appearance on Wednesday
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter helped save his team's season on Wednesday, shutting the door out of the bullpen in Philadelphia's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series. Painter entered the game in the eighth inning and pitched three scoreless frames, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out three. The 23-year-old had an up-and-down season as a member of the Phillies rotation in 2026, recording a 3-10 record with a 5.40 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts across 126 2/3 innings. However, the hard-throwing right-hander was better in the second half of the year, pitching to a 3.65 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with a 24.5% strikeout rate across 61 2/3 innings after the All-Star break. If Painter can emerge as a reliable relief option for the Phillies in October, he could help spark a postseason run.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Phillies Likely to Start Aaron Nola in Game 3 of National League Wild Card Series
The Philadelphia Phillies are planning to start right-hander Aaron Nola in Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series matchup against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night, per Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Philadelphia had the option of throwing ace right-hander Zack Wheeler on three days' rest, but it appears as though they will opt for Nola instead. Across 175 1/3 innings (33 starts) in the regular season, Nola recorded a 7-12 record with a 4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 177 strikeouts. While the 33-year-old's overall line is not pretty, he was a significantly better pitcher in the second half of the season. Across 78 1/3 innings after the All-Star break, Nola recorded a 3.33 ERA and 1.24 WHIP while logging 75 strikeouts. Philadelphia will likely operate with an all-hands-on-deck approach in a do-or-die matchup against Atlanta, so Wheeler could still make an appearance out of the bullpen on Thursday night.
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Jim Salisbury
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Jim Salisbury
Jesus Luzardo Will Serve as Opener on Tuesday Against Braves
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who has not started a game in three weeks after being placed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left shoulder, will serve as an opener for the Phillies in Game 1 of the Wild-Card Series on Tuesday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Right-hander Andrew Painter will be in the bullpen for the Phillies for the series. The Phillies activated Luzardo from the IL on Sunday, and he threw a perfect inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, so they feel comfortable having him pitch on back-to-back days in what will be an abbreviated outing. Philadelphia hopes Luzardo can set the tone in the series in Atlanta after he was excellent for them during the regular season, going 14-5 with a 2.86 ERA (2.78 FIP) and 1.07 WHIP with a career-high 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 179 2/3 innings across his 30 outings (29 starts). Luzardo only faced the Braves once in 2026 on Sept. 7, and he dazzled with a nine-inning, complete-game shutout that saw him strike out 12 and walk just one for his 14th win of the season.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Luis Arraez Won't be on Wild-Card Series Roster
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (ankle) will not be on the team's playoff roster for the Wild-Card Series this week against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Otto Kemp will take Arraez's spot on the roster for the three-game series in Atlanta at Truist Park. Arraez has not resumed baseball activities since spraining his left ankle in a game last Thursday. If the Phillies advance to the National League Division Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is unclear if Arraez would be ready to go. Not having the three-time batting champion available against the Braves is a significant blow to a Phillies lineup that limped to the finish line to barely claim the final Wild-Card spot in the NL. Arraez made his fourth All-Star team in 2026 and also successfully moved back to second base with the San Francisco Giants and Phillies. He finished the regular season with a .310 batting average (185-for-596) with six home runs, 64 RBI, 67 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 151 games and 655 plate appearances. Bryson Stott will likely start at second base for the Phillies against Atlanta, with Edmundo Sosa being the top candidate to start at the hot corner.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Jesus Luzardo Being Activated, Will be Available on Sunday
The Philadelphia Phillies will activate left-hander Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list on Sunday for the regular-season finale in a must-win game, interim manager Don Mattingly told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Luzardo will be available out of the bullpen. The Phillies will have all hands on deck as they try to beat the Tampa Bay Rays to punch their ticket to the postseason as the final Wild-Card team in the National League. The 28-year-old Luzardo had been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year before landing on the IL with inflammation in his left shoulder back on Sept. 12. The native of Peru is returning to a 14-5 record, 2.87 ERA (2.78 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, and a 221:52 K:BB in 178 2/3 innings pitched and 29 starts in his second season with the Phillies. Luzardo's strong 2026 campaign on the mound earned him his first career trip to the All-Star Game. If he is used in Sunday's game against Tampa, it could rule Luzardo out of starting a game in the Wild-Card series next week if the Phillies advance.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Luis Arraez Out on Friday, Report "Not a Great One"
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (ankle) is out of the team's starting lineup on Friday against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, and the report on his ankle injury from Thursday night is "not a great one," interim manager Don Mattingly told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Mattingly did not give a grade on the sprain, and the Phillies have not decided on an injured-list placement, which would take Arraez out until at least Oct. 5, or around Game 3 of the divisional round. X-rays on Arraez's left ankle came back negative on Thursday night, but his sprained ankle is still stiff and sore, which is why he will not play on Friday. Bryson Stott is at second base and batting fifth on Friday, with Edmundo Sosa at third base and hitting ninth against Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta. The Phillies would obviously love to avoid putting the 29-year-old All-Star on the IL, but if he cannot play at all this weekend, they might have no choice. The four-time All-Star and three-time batting champion has hit only .278 (49-for-176) in his 46 games with the Phillies this year after being traded from the San Francisco Giants in early August, but he is still the league's leading hitter at .310 overall. Not having Arraez available next week for the start of the playoffs (if the Phillies qualify) would be a big loss for Philadelphia.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Luis Arraez Suffers Ankle Sprain on Thursday
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (ankle) suffered a sprained left ankle in Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Phillies say that he will be evaluated further, according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Arraez tried to avoid being tagged on a ground ball in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park and should now be considered day-to-day until we have more details. Before leaving, Arraez went 0-for-3 at the plate. Bryson Stott moved from third base to second, with Edmundo Sosa entering the contest to take over at the hot corner in Philly. If Arraez misses time going into the final weekend of the regular season, Sosa would likely continue to start at third for the Phillies, with Stott sticking at the keystone. The 29-year-old Arraez came into Thursday's action hitting .283/.314/.376 with two homers and 21 RBI in 45 games since the Phils acquired him in a deadline deal with the San Francisco Giants. The four-time All-Star and three-time batting champion would be a big loss for the Phillies if they advance to the postseason and he cannot make it back for the start of the wild-card series next week. Overall, Arraez came into Thursday with a league-high .312 batting average, looking to win his fourth batting title.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
